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Steve Hightower Specializes in Fine & Thinning Hair

How long have you been specializing in fine and thinning hair? Over two decades.

What kind of special treatments do clients with fine and thinning hair get?I have shampoo and conditioner treatments that the client does at home, as well as growth stimulators. I also have laser therapy and volumizing/thickening treatments done in the salon.

What styling tips do you have for people with fine and thinning hair?You want to be careful with extremely hot styling tools, such as curling irons and flat irons. Make sure you always use a heat protectant to protect the hair and boar bristle brushes are always the best to use. Try not to use gels—they are high in alcohols that dry out the hair. When it comes to highlighting fine and thinning hair, try to avoid bleach highlights. Use hi-lift color and sometimes it's best to put lowlights in as well as shadow roots to create the illusion thicker hair

What products do you recommend using?I am a firm believer and supporter as well as one of the educators for a product line that is FDA-approved to stop hair loss and restore hair—this product is called MEDIceuticals. I am one of the very few in Atlanta that carry the complete line. There are many lines out there, but what you want to make sure is they block DHT and stimulate the root. Just for the record, Rogaine is not a DHT blocker; it is only a stimulator. I am asked that question daily.

Does any of your staff also specialize in fine and thinning hair?I have educated my entire staff on fine and thinning hair, so they all are familiar with it, but I am the one that specializes. It takes years of experience of seeing the different growth cycles, scalp conditions, knowing the causes and the reasons of thinning hair, and knowing whether to send a client to a doctor about their condition, or if I can address it. Most of the time I can address it, but it is something that does take time. You didn't lose it over night; you're not going to gain it overnight. Hair loss is caused by many reasons. It can be from menopause, poor diet, lack of exercise, too much exercise, stress, medication, trauma to the body, a rapid weight gain or rapid weight loss and many more things. Bottom line is the hair thins account from an imbalance in hormone levels called dihydrotestosterone, known as DHT.

How long does it take for someone to get hair pieces/extensions?Hairpieces and extensions are life-changers for many people. I have seen many women cry from joy because they never knew things were available that were so simple. They did not realize how easy it could be. Hairpieces and extensions are all customized to each individual just like the haircut is customized to the density and texture of the hair, the face shape and body type. A consultation is first done to find out if you are a candidate for hair extensions or if a piece is needed. There are many different types of pieces and hair extensions available, many times it can be done that day or within a week.

How long do the pieces and extensions last?A good human hairpiece can last a year or more; it depends on if you wear it every day or not. It also depends if it is a full piece or a partial. The prices of hairpieces range dramatically depending on if it is 100% human hair or a synthetic blend that is heat-friendly or not heat-friendly. A piece can range from $50 to 1,000 or more, depending on length. Extensions should always be human hair, and we have different types depending on the density of the hair that is used. For example, we could use tape-ins or we may use fusion-bond or a combination of both. These prices vary as well, depending on how much is needed and again the length. Extensions maintenance will depend on the type used. For example, tape-in extensions should be lifted up about every five weeks. A set of tape-in extensions can be used over and over and over and can last up to a year if they are taken care of. Bonded extensions should be taken out and redone about every three to four months, depending on how fast your hair grows.

Any other facts that you have to add?To address your fine and thinning hair issues and to determine if pieces or extensions are needed, a consultation appointment is required. The consultation is $30. In my salon, I have three stylists that are trained and certified with tape-in extensions. Rebecca Crispin is trained and certified in two different companies, Great Lengths USA and Kera10 bonded-fusion extensions. I am also certified in both techniques of tape-in and bonded-fusion.